Spy Cars raise over £141,000 in fines
After only six months, the fines raised by Southend's Spy Cars have reached over £141,000 much to the concern of residents who are already suffering from the austere measures inflicted by the coalition government. 
The spy cars were introduced to combat problems with parents parking inconsiderately outside schools when picking up their children and to target roads which have become notorious for motorists flouting parking restrictions but many residents believe the real reason for their introduction is to fill the council's coffers. In Shoebury High Street there have been several bookings, particularly outside the newsagent, and this is having an adverse effect on local business. As your local councillor I will be keeping a close watch on the situation to make sure that common sense is used and that situations such as the one where a motorist was booked for stopping with a flat tyre are avoided!